Teacher cuts proposed in Londonderry

LONDONDERRY — As enrollment continues to decline, Londonderry school officials anticipate further staff reductions in the coming year.

During a presentation of next year's proposed district budget during Tuesday's school board meeting, Superintendent Nathan Greenberg said the elimination of six certified teaching positions would save the district $413,528 in fiscal year 2015.

Proposed cuts include several teachers at the middle and high school.

Greenberg said that the reductions are in keeping with the recent trends. Since 2006, the district has removed an average of one position for every 17-student drop in enrollment, as well as reducing the number of non-certified positions, such as teacher assistants and clerical staff.

Those positions have been reduced on average of one position for every 13-student drop in enrollment.

According to Greenberg, Londonderry stands to lose $583,884 in state adequacy aid next year, bringing the total reduction in aid to $2.4 million since last year alone.

To offset revenue losses, the Londonderry district hopes to obtain more than $1 million next year from tuition money from Hooksett students attending the high school.

However, those revenues are subject to approval of a pending memorandum between the Londonderry and Hooksett districts. A small number of Hooksett students began attending Londonderry High School last fall. School officials said the arrangement has been successful so far.

Next year's proposed general fund budget comes in at $66,540,975; which is a $480,808 increase (0.73 percent) over the FY14 budget, and $169,110 below the default budget.

The tax rate impact of the general fund budget, as proposed now, is 13 cents.

Business Administrator Peter Curro said the district is recommending a separate series of warrant articles, totaling $881.879.

The warrant articles include a maintenance trust fund for $500,000 and two negotiated agreements (custodial and support staff) for $110,309 and $56,570 respectively.

Budget workshops will continue, with meetings scheduled Dec. 5, 12, 17 and 19 and on Jan. 9. The school budget will come before a public hearing Jan. 16, with the school deliberative session to take place Feb. 7.

A complete draft of the proposed budget may be viewed on the district's website, www.londonderry.org.